The Ultimate Leftover Thanksgiving Sandwich Recipe

If there is one thing I look forward to almost as much as Thanksgiving dinner, it is making this Thanksgiving leftover sandwich the next day!  

This delicious sandwich is piled high with leftover turkey, savory stuffing and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, all layered between thick slices of sourdough bread. 

This recipe is one of my favorite ways to turn holiday leftovers into something completely irresistible. I could seriously eat it every day of the year. 

Why We Love This Recipe

• The perfect way to use Thanksgiving leftovers. Instead of eating the same plate of food for days, you can transform your leftover turkey, leftover stuffing and cranberry sauce into a delicious, satisfying meal.
• Easy to customize. Use your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes, add cheese, or spread your favorite condiments on the bread. There are so many creative ways to make this leftover sandwich your own.
• Sweet and savory flavors. The tart cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with tender slices of turkey and savory stuffing. 
• Perfect for the next day. After all the work that goes into preparing a Thanksgiving feast, it feels great to enjoy a meal that requires very little effort.

Ingredients 

• Sourdough bread: Thick slices of sourdough are sturdy enough to hold all the fillings. While you can get creative with the bread you choose, this is my go-to. 
• Leftover turkey: Thin or thick slices of Thanksgiving turkey both work beautifully. White meat, dark meat, or a combination of the two will make a delicious sandwich.
• Leftover stuffing: Stuffing adds savory flavor and amazing texture. Press it firmly onto the sandwich so it doesn’t fall out. 
• Cranberry sauce: The sweet-tangy flavor profile goes perfectly with the other ingredients. 
• Mayonnaise: This adds just enough creaminess so your sandwich isn’t dry.

How to Make the Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich

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​It could not be easier to build this sandwich. Everything is cold! 

Simply spread the mayo onto one side of each bread slice. Then, stack the turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce onto one slice of bread and top it all with the other. 

Variations

The Classic Moist Maker: Re-create the famous sandwich by adding a third slice of bread – this one soaked in gravy – in between the fillings. 

Make it Warm: If you prefer a cozier sandwich, you could reheat the stuffing and turkey in the microwave. You could also toast the bread. 

Grill It : Assemble the sandwich, add a few slices of cheese, butter the outsides of the bread and grill the whole thing in a dry pan.

The Pilgrim: There’s a local hoagie shop that piles all of these ingredients into a seeded hoagie roll and it’s delicious. Add extra mayo! 

Use More Leftovers: If you like gravy, mashed potatoes or even sweet potatoes, load ’em on. 

How Long Do Thanksgiving Leftovers Last in the Fridge?

Most cooked Thanksgiving leftovers, including leftover turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3 or 4 days.

If you have more holiday leftovers than you can finish within four days, freeze them promptly in freezer-safe containers. For best quality, use frozen cooked turkey within a few months.

When you make this leftover turkey sandwich, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. 

For more sandwich recipes, try these: 

• Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwich
• Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich
• ​Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich